GOVERNMENT
and the time is right for Wisconsin to develop sources of capital
for high-growth industries. We can put past legislative failures
behind us and take a bi-partisan approach to investing in our
future success.
As a small business owner, I believe that training a 21st Century workforce is one of the best ways to improve the state’s
economic outlook. Businesses and manufacturers consistently
identify the need for skilled workers as one of the most important challenges they face. The budget passed last year cut
support for technical college funding by over $70 million. As
the new Chair of the Job Training, Technical College, and Workforce Development Committee I will seek to support our local
technical colleges and eliminate waiting lists in high demand
occupations. In mid-September I held an informational public hearing on job training in high demand occupations, which
included technical college representatives, business partners,
and skilled trades representatives. I believe it is important to
support the realignment of the skills of our able workforce with
the needs of local employers.
1. Gudex: Last session started with more than a $3 billion
deficit which required difficult decisions to balance the budget.
Despite this huge obstacle, there were several steps taken to
move Wisconsin’s economy forward including the creation of
the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, manufacturer’s tax credit, the job creation tax credit and removing red
tape that slowed growth. However, there is more that can be
done to get Wisconsin’s workers into family-supporting jobs.
Reforming the tax code to be more competitive will be one
priority. A venture capital bill is likely to be considered again
in the 2013 session. Any venture capital bill must have protections for taxpayers, have funds matched by private investors, and invested 100 percent in Wisconsin. There are several
other states that have venture capital programs that provide
examples of what works and what doesn’t.
The new WEDC is getting off the ground and working as a public/private partnership to give a whole new approach to job creation and retention in Wisconsin – we need to work closely with
them to make sure they stay on the right track and get results.
I would also connect state agencies with small business owners and entrepreneurs to discuss ways to remove roadblocks
to economic development. In order for businesses to start,
relocate, and expand in Wisconsin, government should be a
resource, not a roadblock.
PROFILE
Name: Jessica King (D)
Residence: Oshkosh
Job: Attorney and owner
of Compass Law
Political
experience: Currently in her first term
in the Wisconsin Senate after winning a
recall election in 2011; City of Oshkosh
Common Council from 2007 to 2011
Education: Bachelor’s in international studies,
history and political science – UW Oshkosh; Juris doctorate
from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, San Diego
Web site: jessicakingforsenate.com

2. Gudex: Legislators had a clear opportunity to support
economic development by using natural resources here in Wisconsin, while putting in place strong protections for the environment. The final version of the bill from last session was a
great job creation bill that had high environmental standards
with the goal of mining safely and cleanly while helping grow
our economy and create jobs throughout the state. I am disappointed because I fear that the window of opportunity may
have closed because of political games. If a second chance
arises, I will work hard towards getting a mining bill signed;
Wisconsin workers deserve this opportunity.
2. King: I support responsible mining in Wisconsin. The Assembly version of the mining bill last session was irresponsible
and would have hurt taxpayers and local small towns in the
area near the proposed iron ore mine. The failure to pass a
mining bill last session is just another example of why Madison is broken. That’s why I co-authored a bi-partisan mining
bill and I am working with Democrats, Republicans, mining
companies, local communities and environmentalists to draft
a mining law that creates jobs while protecting the rights and
the safety of local communities. As a result of my request, the
Senate convened a new Senate Committee on Mining to renew efforts to modernize the state’s mining laws. I believe it is
important that Wisconsin adopt a proposal that balances the
needs of all stakeholders and reflects the permitting process in
states that have successful iron mining operations. An issue as
complex and time and resource intensive as mining deserves
a thoughtful, bi-partisan evaluation and a proposal that ensures mining will be done efficiently, safely, and responsibly.
The Wisconsin Mining Association’s effort to analyze Wisconsin’s mining laws is a worthwhile project and I expect that their
report will be included in the committee process. We should
call on all interested parties from impacted areas to help the
legislature develop the framework for a comprehensive update
to our mining laws.
3. King: Wisconsin’s legal system will always require review
to make sure there is a fair system to resolve disputes between
individuals, businesses and government entities. How often are
we reminded that no one likes lawyers until they need one because they were harmed by another?
Frivolous litigation describes cases that have absolutely no
merit. As a solo firm owner, I can tell you a law firm will not
PROFILE
Name: Rick Gudex (R)
Residence: Fond du Lac
Job: Production manager for
the aluminum division at Brenner Tank in
Fond du Lac
Political
experience: Currently president of the
City of Fond du Lac Common Council since
2010 and elected to the council in 2009; Village of Eden
Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2004; Mayor for City of
Mayville from 1998 to 2000 and member of the Mayville
Common Council from 1996 to 1998
Education: St. Mary’s Springs High School
Web site: rickgudexforsenate.com